Karmann-Ghia

1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia Convertible

NOTE: I sold this car to a private party in 2010.

1958 was the first year of the Ghia convertible

The first models of the Ghia went on show in Europe in 1955. They began shipping in volume in late 1956. Production ended in 1974. The initial idea was sparked by Dr. Wilhelm Karmann, who was designing the Beetle cabriolet. Karmann suggested to Luigi Segre Ghia that a beetle-based sports car could be made and presented to VW for their approval. The rest, as they say, is history.

Trunk script emblem

This ’58 Ghia has Porsche 356 headlights

The electrical system is 6 volts

The previous owner’s double-cab pickup can be seen in the background

Roof release latch/crank

Original German wipers

The fresh-air intakes are an important element in the front end of the Ghia. This shape was used through 1959. In 1960, the intakes were enlarged. All fenders were changed, the headlights were moved upwards and the wheel arches were cut higher. The tail lights were enlarged and also moved upward slightly.

The Sapphire radio in this picture is not close to the era of the car, so an old Blaupunkt was polished, cleaned, and installed.

This is the original steering wheel manufactured only during the ’58 and ’59 years (I’m told this is a hard to find item). The previous owner had Bob Koch, in Southern California, restore it. Koch specializes in restoring steering wheels and inside-rearview mirrors.

’56 YOM (year of manufacture) plates acquired from auction. Bought ’58 sticker separately and affixed with 3M spray glue. Cleaned with Meguire’s cleaner/wax and registered with the DMV (Form REG. 352, DMV Special Plates Unit, Sacramento, CA 916-657-7606). It took over 6 months to get these from auction to active/installed.

Clip from the VW brochure

Steering emblem

Back of steering emblem

Detail of back of emblem. Simple black clips (aka clamping plates) hold badge in place. One clip is missing.